COCAINE ADDICT JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER STABBING ELDERLY WOMAN 21 TIMES
Daniel Franklin, aged 34, was found guilty of fatally stabbing 88-year-old Irene Barrett in her residence at Valiant House, Charlton.The Old Bailey was informed that Franklin carried out a fierce and sustained assault, stabbing her 21 times and inflicting 32 blunt force injuries, including a wound to her hand as she attempted to defend herself.
Franklin, who had a prior record of theft from Mrs.
Barrett and was addicted to cocaine, had been acquainted with her since childhood and had been stealing from her.
The court heard that his violence was triggered when Mrs.
Barrett caught him trying to take more money during an early morning visit.
Her battered body was discovered beneath bedclothes roughly two hours after the attack.
Franklin was detained shortly thereafter but initially denied involvement, claiming he had been watching the film Avatar.
The judge imposed a life sentence with a minimum of 32 years, condemning his actions as a brutal assault on a vulnerable lady who had previously supported him over many years.
